Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 | Psalm 15:2-5 | James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27 | Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

“The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.” 

Psalm 15

Where does your heart lie? 

In our readings this weekend we hear about living rightly according to God’s statutes, and decrees. For the Israelites who grew accustomed to living amongst Egyptian gods and idols, there were many behaviors and customs that needed course correction, and this is why there was such a proliferation of laws and commandments to set their behavior aright. 

Jesus is certainly concerned with our right behavior and action—as James’ letter affirms us to be “doers of the word and not hearers only”-- but Jesus’ focus is on winning the battle for the heart, above all else. Jesus knows that he who wins the battle of the heart wins the soul of the whole woman or man. 

The heart is sometimes referred to as the dwelling place of God, the seat of the person, or the inmost self. "From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed,” Jesus declares (Mark 7). To be a disciple in Christ’s footsteps is to constantly seek to purify our hearts, not just live by right action alone. This is long and exacting work, requiring the grace of God to transform our conscience, attitudes, and inner desires. 

Our hearts should be moved to carry the burdens of our neighbors. Our hearts must be open to be loved by the one who first loved us (1 John 4:19). 

Do you believe that God is seeking you and cares for your heart? 

How does your heart inform your decisions and the way you look at others? 

What small service might you do for someone in need this week?